By Ayesha Hana Shaji
Texas Metro News Team
Dallas City Councilman Casey Thomas endorsed Dallas City Council District three candidate, Zarin Gracey, at a press conference on Friday.
Thomas said Gracey has been on his team for eight years and has worked together with Thomas on every policy he implemented during his tenure.
Gracey said he has worked for the City of Dallas for almost 16 years in different positions, including executive manager of Business Inclusion Development and director of the Office of Business Diversity. He has four main strategies if elected:
- Economic development: revitalizing vacant warehouses and shopping squares without moving others out of the community.
- Public safety: continuing to fund the police forces.
- Quality of life: arts and parks; green amenities on unutilized land.
- Racial equity: prioritizing minority and women-owned businesses and focusing on customer service.
Thomas said Gracey knows his way around the City Hall – and that’s an important bonus.
“That’s important to have someone who can hit the ground running on day one. He has a heart to serve the community,” Thomas said. “And he has the intellect and commitment to really build on the work that I’ve done and take things to the next level.”
According to Thomas, a few of his career highlights are the construction of an activity center for seniors in Oak Cliff, the redevelopment of the Red Bird Mall and the Square 67 Shopping Center Revitalization Project.
He added the passing of the Racial Equity Plan to his list as well.
“The plan allows communities of color who have been historically overlooked and underrepresented an opportunity to receive the resources that they need in order to improve the quality of life,” Thomas said.
He also chaired the COVID-19 Black Task Force which provided critical information to citizens during the pandemic.
Thomas said his plan is to stay involved and busy and despite rumors he doesn’t have any intention of rerunning for office.
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